Sessional_Paper_1899 — Page 568

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ESCLOSURE No. 2 IN COLONIAL SECRETARY'S MINUTE OF THE 24TH APRIL, 1899.

Statement of the Messenger of the San On Magistrate.

Ló Úx() states :-

"I am a native of Nam Tau. The San On Magistrate issued the order to one of the Chin Chau braves' who hired me to do his work. His name is "Small- pox NG."

There were 14 notices; 2 were taken to be posted at Castle Peak and Kap Shui Mun. I have handed in all the notices I have got. I do not know who took those for Kap Shui Mui and Castle Peak. I have not posted a single notice. I was going to begin at Ping Shán when I was stopped. I came here from Nam T'au to-day by the Un Long pass-boat. I landed at Sha Kong and came direct here. I have not been anywhere else."

This is the order regarding the notice. (Order handed in attached : translation above).

See

LÓ ÚN,

[His X Mark.]

Statement made before me this 24th day of April, 1899.

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

Colonial Secretary.

A second Proclamation for general information issued by Tam, Viceroy of the Two Kwongs, and Luk, Governor of the Kwong Tung Province.

We have already issued a Proclamation for general information regarding the Kau Lung boundary. We have also on two occasions despatched troops to keep order and have issued stringent orders to Colonel LI SZ-KING and Major FONG ÜN to co-operate with the Magistrate of the San On district in earnestly explaining matters to the inhabitants so that they may all live together in peace without sus- picion.

We have just heard that on the 7th day (16th April) over a thousand natives fought with the British troops at Tái pó Hu; but as to the cause, as to whether any one was injured, as to whether they were bad people within the leased terri- tory, or as to whether they were the remnants of the faction of CHUNG SHUI- YEUNG and came from Chinese territory, we have received no report from the Military Commanders or the District Magistrate.

Now that the Militia has been organized and each district has its gentry and elders, the Military and Civil Officers referred to ought to summon the gentry and earnestly explain to them that this leasing of territory has received Imperial sanc- tion; that it is clearly laid down in the Convention that the people will not be compelled to remove; that private property will not be expropriated; and that there will be no harsh treatment.

With regard to those outside the leased territory this matter does not affect them in any way. Why should they in disobedience of the Imperial commands create disturbance regardless of their property and their lives? If the people of any other district arm themselves and assist in the fight, their conduct is a still more serious disregard of the Law.

We, therefore, think it is right to circulate this second Proclamation to urge you people to reform the error of your ways and to strive to be good and loyal subjects and so avoid involving yourselves in the meshes of the law.

Let all tremble and obey.

Kwong Sü, 25th year, 3rd Moon, 10th day. (19th April, 1899.)

Sealed with the Seal of the Viceroy and Governor.

Notice to be posted at Ping Sháu.

Translated by J. H. STEWART Lockhart,

Colonial Secretary.